19 
under the Portuguese. 
over tlie other princes, that at the arrival of the Dutch, he 
was looked upon as Emperor of Ceylon. To this prince, Spil- 
bergen was introduced, and soon conciliated his favour, by 
declaring himself and his countrymen to be the inveterate foes 
of the Portuguese. He added, that it was their determined 
resolution, to expel these cruel invaders from the possessions 
which they had so unjustifiably seized ; and concluded with an 
offer of his countrymen’s assistance to the Ceylonese, in ex- 
pelling the Portuguese from their island. The King of Candy, 
as might be expected, received this proposal with the utmost 
joy : Tell your countrymen,” said he, “ that if they will 
only be willing to build a fort in this island, myself, my wife, 
and my children, will be the first to supply them with the 
necessary materials.^’ The Dutch were not long in availing 
themselves of the advantages which this alliance presented to 
them. Next year Sebald de Wert, and Van War week arrived 
with seven ships, and in a conference with the King proposed 
to conclude a treaty. The commencement of this negociation, 
however, was inauspicious, for some difference having arisen 
about the release of some Portuguese prisoners, the King be- 
gan to suspect the motives of the Dutch; and De Wert being 
heated with liquor, and maintaining his point with too much 
violence, Don John could no longer contain his wrath, but 
caused the Dutch commander and his attendants to be instantly 
murdered. The King, however, soon repented of this rash 
action; and to the hour of his death, which happened soon 
after, lamented the murder of the Dutch. He was a bold and 
vigorous prince ; severe and strict in his military discipline ; 
having had contradictory notions of religion early instilled into 
him, he seemed altogether regardless of it ; and the ruling prin- 
D 2 
